Display and Storage Unit for Hair Piece

ABSTRACT

The present invention is for a display and storage unit for a hair piece comprising an insert, a hair piece coupled to the insert, a hanger and a cover enclosing the same. In one aspect of the invention, the insert includes a void where the hair piece is positioned and secured. In another aspect of the invention, the insert includes a front section and a rear section integrally formed together. The front and rear sections overlap each other and a folded portion is formed along a border of the front and rear sections. The hanger includes a lower bar which is engaged with the folded portion of the insert between the front and rear sections. In yet another aspect of the invention, the hanger is formed integral with the insert.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/359,901, filed on Jul. 8, 2016, which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field display and storage units, and in particular to a display and storage unit for a hair piece.

Hair pieces such as wigs are a popular item of use for many individuals. Hair pieces, however, are difficult to display and store by nature because of the shape of which the hair piece is designed to fit, i.e., the round shape of a human head.

Hanging hair pieces gives customers a better view of the hair piece and how it drapes when worn. Hanging hair pieces also help to maintain its shape and to dry when wet.

Various devices exist to display and store hair pieces. One popular device is a simple spherical mold or frame upon which the hair piece is placed. A major problem with this device is that it requires a considerable amount of space. This is a burden for retail stores as well as the end users who may have limited storage space.

Another device is a coat hanger with a clamp designed to hold wigs. Problems with this device include the additional cost of manufacturing the parts for the clamp, the additional complexity of operation of opening and closing the clamp, the risk of deforming the hair piece out of shape, the hair piece slipping off the clamp, and the clamp damaging the hair piece.

Yet another device is a coat hanger with a hook designed to hold the hair piece. A problem with this device is that the hair piece is held in place by hook points which hold the hair piece in a shape that does not accurately reflect how it is worn. The points also create a risk of damaging the hair piece.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved storage and display unit for a hair piece.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The present invention is for a display and storage unit for a hair piece. In general, the display and storage unit of the present invention comprises: (i) a hanger; (ii) an insert; (iii) a hair piece; and (iv) a cover. The hanger is engaged with and holds the insert; the hair piece is secured to the insert; and the cover encloses the insert and hair piece.

The present invention provides a display and storage unit for a hair piece, comprising: an insert having a first end opposing a second end and a third end opposing a fourth end, the fourth end having a void extending toward the third end; a hair piece coupled to the insert fourth end, the hair piece positioned within the void; and a hanger coupled to the insert first end. The display and storage unit further comprises a cover, the cover enclosing the insert, hair piece and hanger.

In one aspect of the present invention, the display and storage unit further comprises a fastener operably coupled to the cover such that the cover is opened and closed. In one embodiment, the fastener is positioned on a front section of the cover. In another embodiment, the fastener is positioned on a side section of the cover. The fastener is selected from a group comprising a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, at least one snap fit button, and at least one button and hole combination.

In one embodiment, the insert includes a design of a human head.

In another embodiment, the hanger includes an attachment member at a lower portion thereof for coupling with the insert first end.

In another aspect of the present invention, the insert includes a front section and a rear section integrally formed together, the front and rear sections overlapping each other, a folded portion formed along a border of the front and rear sections on the first end of the insert. The hanger includes a lower bar, the lower bar engaged with the folded portion of the insert between the front and rear sections.

In one embodiment, the hanger is formed integral with the insert in another embodiment.

The present invention also provides a display and storage unit for a hair piece, comprising: an insert having a first end opposing a second end and a third end opposing a fourth end, the first end being substantially free; a hair piece coupled to the insert between the third and fourth ends; and a hanger coupled to the insert first end. The display and storage unit further comprises a cover, the cover enclosing the insert, hair piece and hanger.

In one embodiment, the fourth end includes a void extending toward the third end, the hair piece positioned within the void. In another embodiment, the hair piece is coupled to the insert by threaded engagement.

In yet another embodiment, the insert includes a front section and a rear section integrally formed together, the front and rear sections overlapping each other, a folded portion formed along a border of the front and rear sections on the first end of the insert. The hanger includes a lower bar, the lower bar engaged with the folded portion of the insert between the front and rear sections.

In one aspect of the present invention, the hanger is formed integral with the insert.

In another aspect, the hanger includes an attachment member at a lower portion thereof for coupling with the insert first end. In one embodiment, the attachment member is a clip.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention so that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a display and storage unit for a hair piece of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of a hanger and insert of the display and storage unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of a hanger and insert of the display and storage unit of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the hanger and insert of the display and storage unit shown in FIG. 2 with a hair piece attached thereto;

FIG. 5 is front view of another embodiment of an insert-hanger combination of the display and storage unit of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of another embodiment of an insert-hanger combination of the display storage unit of the present invention with a hair piece attached thereto; and

FIG. 7 is a front view of another embodiment of an insert-hanger combination of the display storage unit of the present invention with a hair piece attached thereto.

To facilitate an understanding of the embodiments, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described herein to provide a detailed description of the present disclosure. Variations of these embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Moreover, certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. For example, the word “a” is defined to mean “at least one.” Additionally, to assist in the description of the present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to the figures, in general, the display and storage unit 100 of the present invention comprises: (i) a hanger 110; (ii) an insert 120; (iii) a hair piece 140; and (iv) a cover 130.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, in some embodiments, the insert 120 comprises a flat board with a curved slit 122. The insert 120 is composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as cardboard but other materials such as plastics could be used as well. The curved slit 122 is configured such that a top portion of the hair piece 140 could be secured within, as shown, for example in FIG. 4. A side portion 124 of the insert 120 is shaped with a curvature to emulate a back side of a human head. In this manner, the hair piece 140 encloses the side portion 124 of the insert to increase aesthetics while keeping form of the hair piece 140. The insert 120 could be constructed of multiple boards to form a rounded or partially rounded structure for increased aesthetics and to provide better form of the hair piece 140 while displayed and stored.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, to further increase aesthetics, the insert 120 is designed with facial features. Other designs could be included on the insert 120 as well. For example, advertising and marketing as well as instructions of use could be printed on the insert 120.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5, the insert 120 could accommodate a woman's whole wig of medium length. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the insert 120 could be modified to accommodate other hair pieces such as a woman's wig with longer hair as well as shorter men's hair pieces. In addition, the display and storage unit 100 of the present invention could be utilized for other hair products such as hair extensions.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, in this embodiment, the hanger 110 includes a clamping mechanism for securing to a top end of the insert 120. In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism extends the length of the hanger 110. However, multiple clamping mechanism could be used, as shown for example in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the hanger 110 is a conventional triangular clothes hanger. The insert 120 is folded over the bottom bar of the hanger 110 such that the bottom portion of the hanger 110 is secured to an overlapping portion of the insert 120.

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the insert 120 and hanger 110 could be integrally formed as one piece. For example, the cardboard insert includes a hook portion at a top end so that a separate hanger is not necessary. With this configuration, manufacturing costs as well as the number of parts are reduced.

Referring to FIG. 1, a cover 130 is provided for enclosing the insert 120, hair piece 140 and hanger 110. The cover 130 is formed of a material such as polyester or vinyl but other materials could be used as well. Also, the cover 130 could be constructed of a breathable fabric. The cover 130 could include design print for advertising and marketing purposes as well. Furthermore, the cover 130 as well as the insert 120 could include compartments for storing accessories commonly used with hair pieces, for example, bobby pins and hair clips.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the cover 130 includes an aperture at a top portion for a hook portion of the hanger 110 to extend through. Furthermore, a fastener 132 is provided to open and close the cover 130. Thus, the hair piece 140 is protected when the cover 130 is closed and easily accessible when opened. In this embodiment, the fastener 132 is a zipper but other types of fasteners could be used as well. For example, the zipper could be replaced with a hook-and-loop fastener, snap buttons, and button and button hole combinations. In this embodiment, the fastener 132 is located at a front section of the cover 130, however, the fastener 132 could be positioned on a side section of the cover 130, especially for bulkier hair pieces, for ease of access into and out of the cover 130.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, other embodiments of the display and storage unit of the present invention are shown. In these embodiments, smaller hair pieces are shown. For example, in FIG. 6, a plurality of hair extensions 142 are shown, while in FIG. 7, a hair closure 144 is shown. A backing 150 is secured to the hair piece 142, 144. In these embodiments, the backing 150 is constructed of vinyl but other plastics and fabrics could be used. The backing 150 is sized and shaped such that it extends the width of the hair piece 142, 144 while extending above an upper end 146 of the hair piece 142, 144. The backing 150 is secured to the hair piece 142, 144 by sewing thread 152 through the backing 150 and hair piece 142, 144, as shown for example in FIG. 6. In these embodiments, the hanger 112 includes two separate clips 114 for securing to the backing 150. In this configuration, multiple hair pieces could be secured to a single hanger at point of sale. In another embodiment, multiple hair pieces could be secured to an already secured hair piece 142, 144 with a snap comb or the like so that multiple hair pieces are coupled together.

With the display and storage unit 100 of the present invention, hair pieces are capable of being displayed and stored in an efficient manner. For example, with respect to retailers of hair pieces, each hair piece could be easily identified based on the print and design on the cover and insert. Moreover, more inventory could be displayed because much space is saved by having the ability to hang hair pieces side-by-side on hanging racks.

With respect to the end user, hair pieces could be hung from a bar in a clothing closet, thus eliminating the need for any special equipment to store hair pieces. In addition, much space is conserved due to the compact nature of the display and storage unit of the present invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention will be, therefore, indicated by claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims, are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A display and storage unit for a hair piece, comprising: an insert having a first end opposing a second end and a third end opposing a fourth end, the fourth end having a void extending toward the third end; a hair piece coupled to the insert fourth end, the hair piece positioned within the void; and a hanger coupled to the insert first end.
 2. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 1, further comprising a cover, the cover enclosing the insert, hair piece and hanger.
 3. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 2, further comprising a fastener operably coupled to the cover such that the cover is opened and closed.
 4. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 3, wherein the fastener is positioned on a front section of the cover.
 5. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 3, wherein the fastener is positioned on a side section of the cover.
 6. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 3, wherein the fastener is selected from a group comprising a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, at least one snap fit button, and at least one button and hole combination.
 7. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a design of a human head.
 8. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 1, wherein the hanger includes an attachment member at a lower portion thereof for coupling with the insert first end.
 9. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a front section and a rear section integrally formed together, the front and rear sections overlapping each other, a folded portion formed along a border of the front and rear sections on the first end of the insert.
 10. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 9, wherein the hanger includes a lower bar, the lower bar engaged with the folded portion of the insert between the front and rear sections.
 11. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 1, wherein the hanger is formed integral with the insert.
 12. A display and storage unit for a hair piece, comprising: an insert having a first end opposing a second end and a third end opposing a fourth end, the first end being substantially free; a hair piece coupled to the insert between the third and fourth ends; and a hanger coupled to the insert first end.
 13. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 12, further comprising a cover, the cover enclosing the insert, hair piece and hanger.
 14. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 12, wherein the fourth end includes a void extending toward the third end, the hair piece positioned within the void.
 15. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 12, wherein the hair piece is coupled to the insert by threaded engagement.
 16. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 12, wherein the insert includes a front section and a rear section integrally formed together, the front and rear sections overlapping each other, a folded portion formed along a border of the front and rear sections on the first end of the insert.
 17. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 16, wherein the hanger includes a lower bar, the lower bar engaged with the folded portion of the insert between the front and rear sections.
 18. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 12, wherein the hanger is formed integral with the insert.
 19. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 12, wherein the hanger includes an attachment member at a lower portion thereof for coupling with the insert first end.
 20. The display and storage unit for a hair piece of claim 19, wherein the attachment member is a clip. 